Frequently Asked Questions

We like to be transparent with our clients from the start of our partnership, so we've compiled a list of questions that you may have thought of (and some you may not) that we get asked most frequently.

How Can I Stop Employees Clocking in Early?

Asking employees why they’re clocking in early is a good place to start but there are software options available that can easily help you should it become a habit. Untracked or unauthorized early clock-ins may seem minor but can inflate labor costs and skew payroll accuracy over time. Here are the…

Needing a New Payroll Provider? Here Are 7 Red Flags to Avoid

From lack of transparency to pushy sales tactics, there is a lot to consider when interviewing for a new payroll provider. Below we’ve listed 7 of the most important areas you should concentrate on when speaking with them. Of course, every Company is different so it’s crucial to make sure you…

Direct Deposit Scams? – How APlus Stopped a Fraud in Its Tracks

When it comes to payroll fraud, even the smallest oversight can lead to significant financial losses for a business. Thanks to the vigilance and expertise of Shaila, a Client Support Specialist at APlus Payroll, one company narrowly avoided falling victim to a direct deposit fraud attempt. This real-life incident not only…

HR Q&A -What Is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?

A Flexible Spending Account is a special type of savings account you can set up through your employer (if they offer it). It allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars from your paycheck to use on eligible out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision, and even dependent care expenses. The “pre-tax” part is key—it…

Missouri Minimum Wage Changes: What You Need to Know

Starting January 1, 2025, Missouri’s minimum wage laws are undergoing key updates that may impact businesses across the state. HR and payroll departments need to prepare for these changes to ensure compliance and seamless payroll processing. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and how your team can adapt. What’s Changing? New…

A Slice of Thankfulness This Holiday Season

Thanksgiving is a time for reflection, gratitude, and the warm comfort of traditions that bring us closer to those who matter most. Like enjoying a slice of pumpkin pie with family, we love hearing stories from our clients on how their partnership with APlus has helped them focus on growing their…

HR Q&A – Should I Include a Pay Range in a Job Description?

It depends very much on the position and the Industry. Including a pay range in job postings, even when not legally required, has its pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide: Pros of Including a Pay Range Transparency and Trust: Including a pay range fosters transparency, which can…

Is Writing Your Own Paychecks for Your Business Worth the Risk?

Running your own payroll can be done but it is littered with potential pitfalls and risks that could derail the progress you are making in other areas. For those ‘old school’ types like myself, we still write checks. We go through the process of getting out the check book, writing out…

Why Does a Recent Texas Federal Court’s Ruling Affect Me?

This ruling has far-reaching implications for both employers and employees across the Nation, requiring adjustments in payroll management and employee communications. So what happened? On November 15, 2024, a Texas federal court issued a significant ruling that invalidated the Department of Labor’s (DOL) attempt to increase the minimum salary for exempt…

HR Q&A – What Should Be Included in Job Descriptions?

Job descriptions should have several key areas addressed within the posting from job title and responsibilities to skills and company culture. Let’s face it, if you send out a generic job description, you’re basically saying: “We’re going to treat you like a number from Day One”. A well-crafted job description is…

Can Your Payroll Software Send Secured Reports in All Formats?

Yes indeed. Previously, password protection was only available for PDF exports. Now our APlus Payroll software allows password protection for all non-PDF file exports, including Excel, CSV, TXT, and XML. These files are secured in AES-256 encrypted zip files. This feature enhances data security by ensuring that sensitive information is protected…

Does Personal Service Really Matter In Payroll?

Yes. Our surveys continue to show that indeed, clients still like to be called by name and appreciate having someone who knows them and their business in their corner. As much as we are all moving to a transactional world that personal touch is STILL important. Imagine a chatbot..only with a…

HR Q&A – Should I Talk About Politics at Work?

Politics at work can be a sensitive topic and often depends on the company’s policies, the workplace culture, and the legal framework of the State. To say the political discourse has been ramped up in the past few months would be like watching a simmering pot suddenly boil over..it demands attention…

Why Do Companies Stay With Bad Payroll Providers?

The fear of change is real, especially in the payroll world. I’ve often wondered why so many companies stay in bad relationships with their payroll provider? They know they should change but don’t feel like they have the time or energy to do so. They would rather continue to put up…

What’s the ROI on Adding a Time & Labor Module?

Like any system, used correctly, the savings in time, money and accuracy can be significant. When it comes to managing your workforce, time and attendance systems can play a critical role in the success of any organization. Not only do they help to ensure that employees are present at their posts…

Are New Clients More Important Than Old?

Absolutely not, so why would you offer a special discount to new ones while your loyal clients continue to pay regular rates? It’s a question we probably ask ourselves every time we hear from our internet provider, cell phone company or payroll company. I know I do. I’m now paying 40%…

HR Q&A – Whose Laws Should We Follow for Remote Employees?

Generally, the state law where the employee physically works is the primary jurisdiction. This affects employment laws, tax obligations, and benefits. Pretty much everyone of us have remote employees one way or another these days. Question is, When hiring a remote employee, determining which state’s laws to follow can be complex,…

What Am I Waving Goodbye to if I Switch to a ‘Big Box’ Payroll Co.?

Plenty, assuming that personal service and customization are important to you. We lost a client to a ‘Big Box’ Payroll provider the other day. Such a shame. The Company in question offered a much cheaper price (no surprise) as long as they signed a long term contract. In that contract was…

HR Q&A – Are Employees Scared To Review Their Managers?

Yes, many are and it’s up to us as employers’ to make sure they have a safe environment to do so. Have you ever been in a work situation where you didn’t feel you could be completely honest in case of retribution? I have, worse still, I’ve seen it play out…

HR Q&A – Hold an Employee’s Job While Out on Medical Leave?

Managing an employee’s job while they are on medical leave requires a delicate balance between adhering to legal obligations and supporting the employee’s health and well-being. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of key considerations and best practices taken froma Q&A within our HR Resource Center by Mineral: Legal Obligations Family and Medical…

Why Is The ‘Predict My Pay’ Feature So Good For Employees?

The “Predict My Pay” feature from APlus Payroll offers a robust solution to enhance employees’ financial planning by allowing them to forecast their earnings based on various work-related variables. Here’s how this innovative tool benefits your employees: Enhancing Financial Planning and Stability Earnings Forecasting: “Predict My Pay” enables employees to simulate their…

Does Employee Longevity Matter With Your Payroll Provider?

Yes. In the payroll industry, where customer service is pivotal, longevity among employees is invaluable for maintaining excellence and trust. Here’s why: Building Trust and Rapport: Long-term employees foster strong relationships with clients. Over time, these employees become familiar faces, providing a consistent point of contact that builds trust. Clients appreciate dealing…

HR Q&A – Can We Ask Applicants if They Have a Car?

Generally, it’s not recommended to ask applicants directly if they own a car or have a working vehicle, as this could be seen as discriminatory. Here’s some other tips related to this intriguing question. Questions about vehicle ownership may be viewed as probing into an applicant’s financial information, which could lead…

What Is Prevailing Wage?

A question we often we get asked! Prevailing wage is a standardized rate for wages and benefits that certain employers must pay their workers, typically on government-funded projects or when employing foreign workers. Here are the key points about prevailing wage: Definition: It’s the hourly wage, usual benefits, and overtime paid…

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Meet Payroll Paul

Payroll Paul first joined APlus Payroll in 2008. He specializes in helping build the customer service, marketing, and culture within the company; relying on his 40+ years of 'customer delight' experiences across six countries.

Paul Devlin